Identifying therapeutic targets for erectile dysfunction in the European population using genome-wide Mendelian randomization.

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition with current treatments limited by suboptimal efficacy and adverse effects. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a promising approach to identify potential genetic targets for novel therapies.

AIM

We performed a genome-wide MR study on druggable genes to find ED therapies.

METHODS

We collected data on drug-targetable genes and their impact on blood expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Using two-sample MR with genome-wide association studies data, we pinpointed genes linked to ED and conducted enrichment analysis. We also built protein networks and predicted drugs to support treatment development.

OUTCOMES

This comprehensive strategy provides a robust framework for the advancement of more efficacious and precisely targeted treatments for ED.

RESULTS

The MR analysis identified 124 genes significantly associated with ED. Enrichment analysis revealed these genes are involved in signal transduction, protein phosphorylation, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ATP binding, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. We identified the top 10 hub genes: PRKCA, IFNG, ITGB1, PPARG, PTK2, LAMA5, BCL2L1, CD3D, CD3E, and CD27. Our study highlighted three potential drugs targeting three of these hub genes: benztropine for CD27, teplizumab for CD3E, and natalizumab for ITGB1.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

The study identifies high-priority targets for ED therapy, including approved drugs amenable to rapid repurposing trials.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Multi-omics integration enhanced causal validity; drug predictions leveraged existing therapeutic knowledge. Tissue-specific expression quantitative trait loci confounders and lack of experimental validation for prioritized drugs require caution.

CONCLUSION

This work advances ED research by mapping druggable genes (PRKCA, IFNG, ITGB1) and pathways via MR, offering precision medicine opportunities and actionable drug repurposing candidates.